Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I join MUG?

A. Click on the "Join MUG" link at http://www.mugweb.org. Be sure to supply a correct, complete e-mail address. An automated message sent to that address will be used to confirm your membership.

Q. Why do I need to register on the new MUG web site?

A. MUG's old membership database is 10+ years old, and based on software methodologies of similar vintage. Efforts to move the database to the new web site and create compatibility with the new forums uncovered numerous problems. Eventually, we decided it made more sense to start over.

Q. Is there a fee to join MUG?

A. No. As always, MUG membership is free.

Q. What do I get with my MUG Membership?

A. MUG members can post discussion forum messages and can search the forums. MUG members may also access the "Members Only" area for conference proceedings and other information. Also note that MUG membership qualifies you for a $50 discount on your User2User 2005 conference registration fee!

Q. I forgot my password on the new site.

A. The new web site will support automated password retrieval. Just click "Change Profile" at http://www.mugweb.org and supply either your MUG username or e-mail address in the "Forget your password?" window. A temporary password will be e-mailed to the e-mail address in your profile.

Q. How do I change my password on the new site?

A. You can change your password at any time. All you need to do is click the "My Profile" option found on any discussion forum page. Then, under the "Main Configuration" heading, click on "Personal Information, email, password…". To change your password, simply edit the password and verify password fields on this page. Once you have entered the new password, click "Submit" to save the information. Passwords are case-sensitive.

Q. Will my Mentor Graphics SupportNet login work on the MUG web site?

A. No. MUG membership is independent of Mentor Graphics Corporation and the SupportNet system.

Q. I cannot get something on the new site to work correctly. How do I get help?

A. Click the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of each discussion forum page.

Q. I am trying to understand a discussion forum feature. How do I learn more?

A. The discussion forum has its own FAQ. It can be found on each forum page by clicking the "FAQ" button near the top of the page.

Q. I would like to be a moderator on the forums. How can I help out?

A. We are looking for active, knowledgeable members to serve as moderators on the forums. Please contact us via the "Contact Us" links.

Q. Will my old SIG (i.e. "MUGMEM") user ID and password work on the new site?

A. No. You will need to register on the new site to access members-only features.

Q. I found my MUG login scribbled on a Post-It. Is it a login for the new site?

A. The "old" style logins always have a user ID that is a 4 digit number (e.g., "6374") and a password that is an 8 digit alphanumeric string (e.g., "4HuJYk64"). These logins will no longer be valid as of January 3, 2005.

Q. What will happen to the SIG e-mail "exploders" after January 3, 2005?

A. They will be replaced by the web-based forums as of January 3. The data in the SIG archives will be accessible through an improved search utility available on MUG's new home page. The SIGs will no longer be used to distribute discussion after January 3. Those who send messages to the SIG e-mail exploders will receive replies directing them to the new forums.

Q. I really like getting SIG e-mails. Can I configure my forum profile so it acts like the old SIGs did?

A. Yes (well, this will get you pretty close). Click the "My Profile" option found on any discussion forum page. Then click "Subscribe / Unsubscribe from receiving forum posts by email, change message notifications, etc.". There will be a list of all discussion forum areas. Click the "S" (for "Subscribe") button next to each topic that interests you. You'll probably also want to click "Yes" next to "Do you want all replies to your favorite topics emailed to you?". You'll now receive e-mail messages in each of these areas. Another solution that offers even more real-time functionality is RSS (Really Simple Syndication), which is supported by the new forums. The "Announcements" section of the new forums will supply information about how you can use RSS.

Q. I don't use MGC tools anymore and have been meaning to cancel my membership anyway. What do I do?

A. Nothing. If you don't register on the new web site on or after January 3, 2005, your membership will automatically terminate.

Q. Where can I interact with other users?

A. The new discussion forums will allow a level of on-line interaction that simply wasn't possible with the e-mail-based SIGs. For non-electronic interaction opportunities, look at the LUG (Local Users Group) page and do not forget that User2User 2005 is coming to the Santa Clara Marriott April 27-29, 2005. See http://www.mentor.com/user2user/ for more info.